One-and-a-Half-Handed Sword "Marshal Boucicaut" – Type XVa for Precise Thrust and Cut

One-and-a-Half-Handed Sword "Marshal Boucicaut" – Type XVa for Precise Thrust and Cut

Construction and Practical Use

This "bastard" sword is engineered for combat in scenarios where the line between a cut and a thrust becomes blurred. Due to its profile without a central fuller, the Type XVa blade is exceptionally stiff, allowing you to deliver lightning-fast and highly precise thrusts even into the smallest gaps of an opponent's harness. Thanks to the extended grip featuring an anatomically split leather wrap, you gain tremendous leverage and absolute control over the point during techniques in the "cross."

The gracefully curved crossguard (Oakeshott Style 8) with ball terminals provides reliable hand protection and allows for effective parrying of opposing strikes. We highly recommend this sword to collectors, living history reenactors, and advanced martial artists for cutting practice. However, please note that because the blade is razor-sharp, this sword is by no means intended for contact HEMA fencing, stage combat, or partner drilling. It is designed as a premium cutting tool engineered for controlled test cutting (tameshigiri) against soft mediums.

Historical Context and Typology

The historical archetype of this model dates back to the late 14th and the first half of the 15th century. Classical broad blades intended for slashing against mail armor lost their efficacy against full plate harnesses, which is why the Oakeshott Type XVa typology brought about a revolution. A sword was required that would not bend upon a powerful thrust and could penetrate vulnerable spots in the armpits, joints, or helmet visor. This model is a faithful representative of that bloody yet highly elegant era. The iconic pommel shaped like a sea scallop or stylized blossom (Type K) serves as a perfect counterweight and underscores the aesthetic refinement of the High Gothic period. The luxurious scabbard combines natural leather tones with dark embossed panels stamped with a lion and serpent motif (the coat of arms of the famous Visconti family), referencing Boucicaut's historical tenure as governor in Genoa.

Technical Parameters

Historical Legacy

This sword is crafted in honor of Jean II Le Maingre, known as Boucicaut, who was the ultimate symbol of chivalric virtue, fearlessness, and military genius. Boucicaut was renowned across Europe for his unbelievable physical conditioning – period chronicles state that in full plate harness, he could perform a somersault or climb up the back of a ladder using only his hands. Serving as a Marshal of France, he fought in many pivotal battles of the Middle Ages, and this sword perfectly embodies his uncompromising resolve, tactical precision, and noble lineage.

Care and Maintenance

The 60Si2Mn carbon spring steel requires regular and conscientious maintenance to preserve its superb mechanical resilience and finish:

• After every handling or contact with bare skin, wipe the blade thoroughly with a dry cloth and apply a thin film of protective gun oil (such as Ballistol).
• Treat the genuine leather wrap on the handle and the luxurious embossed scabbard occasionally with a natural beeswax-based leather balm to keep the material supple, prevent cracking, and maintain the deep color shades.
• Never store the sword inside the scabbard if it is damp. The leather and wood inner core can lock in atmospheric humidity, which might induce localized pitting or oxidation on high-carbon steel blades.
• Strictly avoid striking hard, unyielding surfaces (stone, concrete, metal, thick dry branches). Doing so risks deep edge rolls, chipping, or bending the fine pointed tip.

Safety Warning

This sword is a fully functional, sharp historical weapon replica. For safety reasons, it is not intended for contact fencing, historical battle reenactments, or any form of live partner sparring. Due to the extreme rigidity of the blade and its needle-like point, thrusting contact carries a severe risk of deep puncture wounds or life-threatening injuries. Utilize this weapon strictly at your own risk for decorative display, historical solo form practice, or controlled test cutting under qualified professional supervision.

Recommended Accessories

To complement this masterfully crafted sword, we highly recommend a robust 15th-century leather belt with a double Popstrap suspension system, ensuring that this heavy scabbard rides at an optimal angle at your hip. For safe storage and elegant blade presentation, you can find specialized cleaning kits, abrasive blocks, and horizontal table stands in our store.

About the Swordier Brand

The Swordier brand represents the absolute vanguard of hand-forged historical replicas, combining exceptional affordability with uncompromised accuracy and material perfection. This sword was individually forged in the internationally acclaimed sword-making hub of Longquan (Zhejiang Province). This legendary location boasts a metalworking and bladesmithing heritage spanning more than 2,600 years. Each piece is crafted by true enthusiasts who live the sword and historical steel themselves. For Swordier, a sword is not just a commercial product, but a sacred symbol of strength, honor, and craftsmanship perfection, with paramount focus placed on functional balance and authentic processing of natural materials.